KIRTLAND'S WARBLER SPREADING?
Last summer, the endangered Kirtland's warbler was found breeding in four counties on the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. In recent decades, the breeding range of the species has been confined to nine counties on the Lower Peninsula of the state. Biologists suggest that the growing population in the traditional range has resulted in birds looking for new locations. They also note that management of jack-pine on the Upper Peninsula has created appropriate habitat for the warbler. The population has grown from about 167 pairs in 1987 to approximately 692 pairs in 1996. Kirtland's warblers require jack-pines ranging from 5 to 16 feet tall and having live branches that reach the ground.
At least 14 singing males were found on the Upper Peninsula last year, and some of them were accompanied by females, suggesting that breeding is taking place. About 4,300 acres of young jack-pines were planted this year, and biologists expect the new stands to provide suitable habitat in six to 10 years. Until then, they predict that current population levels will remain stable.
This is an article from the BWD Skimmer
It is not written by me.